U.S. patent application number 10/322999 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for timer.
This patent application is currently assigned to France/A Scott Fetzer Company. Invention is credited to Amonett, Daniel Keith, Sokalski, Robert G..
Application Number | 20030089584 10/322999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27002989 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030089584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amonett, Daniel Keith ; et
al. |
May 15, 2003 |
Timer
Abstract
A cam-operated timer for a household appliance has a variety of
improvements. An audible and tactile feedback member engages a
textured surface on the cam wheel, to produce desired audible and
tactile feedback when the timer is manually set. When the timer is
manually set, the cam-actuated switches are moved away from the cam
surfaces, and a clutch is opened to permit bi-directional slip
between the cam wheel and motor, so that the sole source of audible
and tactile feedback is the audible and tactile feedback member.
The timer also features lanced switch arm contacts, that provide a
sharp contact edge to permit the switch arms to make good contact
with adjacent switch arms. The switch arms are mounted in a stack
of wafers, where each wafer may have switch arms of differing
thickness or metal, allowing high current and low current switches
to be mixed. Features in the housing are used to receive and locate
the wafers to prevent inaccuracies in wafer thickness from
accumulating through the stack of wafers. Also, the motor and
geartrain are reduced in size. The motor comprises a stator plate
and a rotor mounted for rotation in the stator plate. The geartrain
comprises meshing gears positioned on both opposite sides of the
stator plate and mounted directly to the stator, for providing a
gear reduction of the rotation of the motor.
Inventors: |
Amonett, Daniel Keith;
(Murfreesboro, TN) ; Sokalski, Robert G.;
(Murfreesboro, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
France/A Scott Fetzer
Company
Fairview
TN
|
Family ID: |
27002989 |
Appl. No.: |
10/322999 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10322999 |
Dec 18, 2002 |
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10000414 |
Nov 2, 2001 |
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10000414 |
Nov 2, 2001 |
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09368284 |
Aug 3, 1999 |
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6441326 |
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09368284 |
Aug 3, 1999 |
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09365561 |
Aug 2, 1999 |
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6080943 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
200/38R |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 43/106 20130101;
H01H 2043/107 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
200/38.00R |
International
Class: |
H01H 043/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A timer for controlling an appliance, comprising: a rotatable
cam-carrying member having cam surfaces thereon, a timing motor
having a rotor that rotates in response to electrical stimulation,
a drive mechanism for causing rotation of said cam-carrying member
in response to rotation of said rotor, a plurality of cam-actuated
switches, each cam-actuated switch mounted for engagement to a cam
surface of said rotatable member for actuation of said switch in
response to rotation of said rotatable member, and making and
breaking an electrical connection in response to actuation by said
rotatable member, a textured surface and an audible and/or tactile
feedback member, said audible and/or tactile feedback member being
positioned to move across said textured surface to generate audible
and/or tactile feedback in response to at least manual rotation of
said cam-carrying member, said audible and/or tactile feedback
member being separate from said drive mechanism and cam-actuated
switches of the timer and not making or breaking electrical
connections.
2. The timer of claim 1 wherein said audible and/or tactile
feedback member is positioned to move across said textured surface
to generate audible and/or tactile feedback in response to manual
rotation or motor-driven rotation of said cam-carrying member.
3. The timer of claim 1 wherein said audible and/or tactile
feedback member is positioned to move across said textured surface
to generate audible and/or tactile feedback only in response to
manual rotation of said cam-carrying member.
4. The timer of claim 1 wherein said textured surface rotates with
or in response to rotation of said cam-carrying member, whereby
upon rotation of the cam-carrying member, the audible and/or
tactile feedback member produces desired audible and/or tactile
feedback.
5. The timer of claim 4 wherein said audible and/or tactile
feedback member is a shaped spring member, mounted to engage to
said textured surface.
6. The timer of claim 5 wherein said audible and/or tactile
feedback member is a v-shaped spring member.
7. The timer of claim 5 wherein said audible and/or tactile
feedback member is a u-shaped spring member.
8. The timer of claim 4 wherein said audible and/or tactile
feedback member is mounted to engage to said textured surface
throughout rotation of said textured surface.
9. The timer of claim 5 wherein said textured surface comprises a
series of ridges and/or teeth.
10. The timer of claim 9 wherein said ridges and/or teeth vary in
shape, size and/or pitch.
11. The timer of claim 10 wherein said ridges and/or teeth vary
repetitively in shape, size and/or pitch.
12. The timer of claim 10 wherein said ridges and/or teeth vary
randomly in shape, size and/or pitch.
13. The timer of claim 9 wherein said ridges and/or teeth are
regular in shape, size and/or pitch.
14. The timer of claim 4 wherein said textured surface is on said
cam-carrying member.
15. The timer of claim 14 wherein said cam-carrying member is disk
shaped and said cam surfaces and textured surface are circular
tracks on the disk-shaped faces of said cam-carrying member.
16. The timer of claim 15 wherein said cam surfaces are circular
tracks on a first disk-shaped face of said disk shaped member, and
said textured surface is a circular track on a second disk-shaped
face of said disk shaped member.
17. The timer of claim 14 wherein said cam-carrying member is drum
shaped and said cam surfaces and textured surface are circular
tracks on the cylindrical or disk-shaped faces of said cam-carrying
member.
18. The timer of claim 1 further comprising a manual setting
actuator moved by an operator to place the timer in a manual
setting condition.
19. The timer of claim 18 wherein said textured surface and audible
and/or tactile feedback member are mounted for relative motion in
response to motion of said manual setting actuator so as to engage
said audible and/or tactile feedback member to said textured
surface only when an operator places said timer in said manual
setting condition.
20. The timer of claim 18 wherein said manual setting actuator is a
shaft that serves as the axis of rotation for the cam-carrying
member, and said shaft is moved axially by an operator to place the
timer in a manual setting condition.
21. The timer of claim 18 further comprising a switch actuator
mounted for relative motion with said cam-actuated switches in
response to motion of said manual setting actuator so as to move
the cam-actuated switches away from the cam surfaces of the
cam-carrying member when an operator places said timer in said
manual setting condition.
22. The timer of claim 18 wherein said drive mechanism further
comprises a clutch permitting slip in the drive mechanism between
the timing motor and cam-carrying member.
23. The timer of claim 22 wherein said clutch comprises first and
second clutch members having relative engaged and disengaged
positions, the clutch permitting bi-directional slip in the drive
mechanism between the timing motor and cam-carrying member when the
first and second clutch members are in the disengaged position, and
permitting only mono-directional slip in the drive mechanism
between the timing motor and cam-carrying member when the first and
second clutch members are in the engaged position.
24. The timer of claim 23 wherein the first and second clutch
members are mounted for relative motion in response to motion of
said manual setting actuator so as to disengage said first and
second clutch members when an operator places said timer in said
manual setting condition.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/000,414 filed on Nov. 2, 2001 which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/368,284
filed Aug. 3, 1999 by Daniel K. Amonett et al., which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/365,561
filed Aug. 2, 1999 by Daniel K. Amonett et al., now U.S. Pat. No.
6,080,943, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein
in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to cam-operated timers for
appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many household appliances are equipped with mechanical
timers to control their operation. Examples include dishwashers,
icemakers, clotheswashers and dryers, wall and outlet timers,
microwave ovens, and various other appliances.
[0004] While there is thus a diverse variety of applications for
timers, most timers have a similar general structure. Typically,
the timer includes a wheel or drum outfitted with cam surfaces.
Spring metal switch arms are mounted to ride on these cam surfaces
to be raised and lowered from the wheel or drum surface in response
to the elevation of the cam surfaces.
[0005] A timing motor is typically coupled to rotate the cam wheel
or drum, such that the switch arms are raised or lowered in
accordance with a predefined regular pattern that is defined by the
elevation of the cam surfaces on the wheel or drum. In some timers,
the timing motor moves the wheel or drum by causing drive pawls to
oscillate and move the cam wheel or drum forward in a step-by-step
fashion. In other timers, the timing motor is connected through a
gear train to a toothed surface on the cam wheel or drum to rotate
the cam wheel or drum in a continuous manner. In either case, the
timing motor and its stator, rotor and windings is typically a
separately assembled part, housed in a separate housing from the
drive assembly; as a consequence, the combination of the timing
motor and gear train are fairly substantial in size, and form a
large part of the volume and weight of the timer.
[0006] The switch arms inside the timer are typically mounted in
pairs such that cam-actuated motion of either or both switch arms
of a pair causes the pair of arms to make or break and electrical
contact therebetween. The switch arms thus form an electrical
switch that controls the operation of the appliance. In some
timers, switch arms are mounted in groups of three so as to form a
single pole, double throw switch or other more complex switching
arrangement.
[0007] The contacting surfaces of the arms are often coated with
expensive metals such as silver alloy to facilitate good contact
between the arms and minimize the effects of corrosion. To further
facilitate contact between the arms, in some timers a contact rivet
is included on each arm, extending toward the opposite arm, such
that contact is made between the rivets on the switch arms. To
avoid the cost of making and assembling this additional contact
rivet, in other timers the arms are stamped with a "dimple", i.e.,
a raised section of metal that extends toward the opposite arm to
form a contact surface. This approach is useful in containing costs
where it can be applied; however, where the switch arms are mounted
in a group of three, the central switch arm cannot be dimpled to
form a contact, since the dimple can only extend in one direction
relative to the surface of the central switch arm and the central
switch arm must make contact with the arms above and below it.
Accordingly, when three switch arms are stacked in this manner, the
central switch arm must be outfitted with a contact rivet in order
to have surfaces that extend toward both neighboring arms,
increasing costs.
[0008] In a typical timer there are multiple switches and thus
multiple groups of two or more switch arms that interact with the
cam surfaces on the cam wheel or drum. In such timers, often the
switch arms are mounted in "wafers"; that is, the respective upper
arms of each switch is mounted in a first wafer, and the respective
lower switch arms of each switch is mounted in a second wafer. The
wafers are typically formed of plastic molded over the ends of the
switch arms opposite their cam-actuated surfaces. To mount the
switch arms for actuation by the cams of the wheel or drum, the
wafers are stacked atop each other, and affixed to the timer
housing, so that the arms are suspended in a specific position
relative to the wheel or drum of the timer.
[0009] To assure proper switch functions, the position of the
switch arms relative to the wheel or drum, must be controlled to
fairly tight tolerances. This means that the size of the wafers,
and the position of the switch arms in the wafers, and the
mountings to which the switch wafers are mounted, must also be
controlled to tight tolerances. Unfortunately, where two or three
wafers are stacked to create switch groups of two or three arms,
the necessary tolerances become difficult to satisfy, most
particularly because it is difficult to maintain a tight tolerance
in the switch mounting surfaces that span a long distance, e.g.,
the entire height of a stack of three wafers. Manufacturing wafers
and mountings to sufficiently tight tolerances is thus difficult
and expensive.
[0010] The switch arms in a wafer are typically made of the same
material. Inexpensive metals such as alloy brass are typically used
to make switch arms for low current applications. In higher current
applications, more expensive, more highly conductive metals such as
copper alloy are used to minimize resistance and the resultant heat
and energy loss. Unfortunately, even if only one pair of switch
arms carries high current, the need for more expensive metals in
the switch arms substantially increases the cost of the timer.
[0011] The terminal ends of the switch arms are operatively
connected to various components of an appliance such as a dryer, in
order to control the function of that particular component.
Individual leads for each of the electrical components are provided
by these terminals and each individually fit to one or more of
wafers forming part of a switch block made up of the stacked wafers
and switch arms. The labor involved in connecting individual
connectors to individual terminals is relatively intensive. Further
the use of separate individual connectors increases the likeliness
of incorrect wiring of the switch into the appliance. Additionally,
one may appreciate that the individual fitting of each lead to a
terminal is time consuming.
[0012] The appliance operator typically sets the timer using a knob
that extends outside of the timer housing and can be grasped by the
operator. In a typical clotheswasher timer, for example, the
operator rotates the knob in a forward direction, thereby rotating
the cam wheel or drum in a forward direction, until the cam wheel
or drum is an appropriate initial position to begin a timed
operation cycle. The user then presses a button, or moves the knob
axially to initiate the cycle and also start the timing motor.
[0013] As is familiar to most users of household appliances, a
substantial clatter is generated by the interaction of the
cam-operated switches and drive pawls and/or any one-way or ratchet
clutch when the timer is advanced to the appropriate position to
begin a cycle. For example, the drive pawls click across the
pawl-driven surfaces of the cam wheel or drum as the wheel or drum
is advanced, and at the same time, the cam operated switch arms
click as they are opened and closed by the cam surfaces as the
wheel or drum is rotated, and any one-way clutch also clicks. The
resulting noise is unpleasant, and is accompanied by substantial
irregular tactile feedback.
[0014] A second difficulty is that the timer must be set by
rotation in a single direction. This constraint arises from the
fact that the cam surfaces on the drum or wheel typically are
formed with sharp drop-offs so that switches are closed or opened
rapidly. Reverse rotation of the cam will cause the cam surfaces on
the drum or wheel to bind against the switch arms, preventing
further reverse rotation and potentially damaging the timer. To
prevent damage by reverse rotation timers often include a rachet
pawl or other mechanism to block reverse rotation; of course, this
structure only enhances the clatter generated during forward
rotation of the timer for setting.
[0015] Recently, so-called "quiet set" drum-type timers have been
introduced. In these timers, a mechanism lifts the switch arms and
drive pawls from the surface the drum to disengage the drum from
the pawls during setting. This permits the drum to be rotated
manually without clatter from the pawls and switch arms, and also
permits bi-directional rotation during setting because the pawls
and arms are disengaged from the drum surface.
[0016] Unfortunately, users have become accustomed to receiving
tactile feedback when setting a timer, and may prefer to receive
such feedback. A "quiet set" timer, therefore, may be perceived as
undesirable as compared to a timer that does provide tactile and
audible feedback such as a prior non-"quiet set" timer.
[0017] Additionally, timers, timer functions, and methods for
settings and using timers often varies from appliance to appliance.
Such differences result in timers which are not user friendly
especially for those appliances which are used in concert with one
another, such as clotheswashers and dryers. Thus, it would be
desirable to include timers on appliances in a manner more friendly
to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In accordance with the present invention, the drawbacks and
difficulties with known cam-operated timers are overcome. In one
aspect, the present invention does this is by providing
electromechanical timers for various appliances that are nearly
identical from the user standpoint. For example, the timer of the
present invention may be provided on both a clotheswasher and a
dryer in order to facilitate ease of operation between those
appliances. Additionally, the concept of equivalent, or matched,
timers on a clotheswasher and a dryer is of advantage to those who
market such appliances. The matched timers increases the likelihood
that a customer who purchases one of the appliances, for example
the clotheswasher, will purchase the other (the dryer).
[0019] Each timer is set in the same or similar manner and the
washing or drying action are both started in the same or a similar
manner. In the washer a knob attached to a shaft in the timer which
is indexed inwardly in order for the shaft to engage a cam-carrying
member. The knob can then be rotated to cooperatively rotate the
shaft and cam-carrying member to set the washer to a particular
cycle. The knob may then be indexed outwardly in order to start the
timer and cycle mechanism of the washing machine. The timer
provided on the dryer may operate in a manner identical to that of
the timer provided on the clotheswasher. The timer on the dryer may
also include alternate methods of operation. A first alternate
embodiment adds an additional separate start switch which must be
actuated to start the dryer. In a second alternate embodiment, the
knob traverses a slightly longer distance when indexed outwardly
and is held for a period of time in order to start the dryer. In
this second alternate embodiment, when released, the knob returns
to its original position. Axial movement of the knob and shaft in
the opposite direction than that described above is also possible
in yet an alternate embodiment. Other combinations of operation of
the timer of the present invention are possible depending on the
method by which the user turns off the machine or permits the
machine to automatically turn off. The timer may also include
various combinations of model specific touch, including quiet set
features, textured feel features, and a connector with both heavy
duty and standard duty terminals. Such features will be described
below.
[0020] In a first aspect, the invention features a cam-operated
timer having a setting feedback function. The timer includes an
audible and/or tactile feedback member that is not part of the
drive mechanism nor part of the cam-actuated switches of the timer
(but may include parts of the cam-carrying member). The audible
and/or tactile feedback member is positioned within the timer to
engage a textured surface that rotates with or in response to
rotation of the timer's cam-carrying member (e.g., the timer's cam
wheel or drum), so that upon rotation of the cam-carrying member,
the audible and/or tactile feedback member produces desired audible
and/or tactile feedback.
[0021] In the disclosed specific embodiment, the audible and/or
tactile feedback member is a shaped spring member, e.g., a
"V"-shaped or "U"-shaped member, which engages to a textured
surface comprising a series of ridges or teeth. The textured
surface may be carried on the cam-carrying member itself, and the
audible and/or tactile feedback member is mounted to the housing so
as to engage the textured surface of the cam-carrying member at all
times. In other contemplated embodiments, the audible and/or
tactile feedback member may be engaged to other members that rotate
with the cam-carrying member, rather than to the cam-carrying
member itself. Furthermore, the audible and/or tactile feedback
member need not always engage to the associated textured surface,
but may only engage the associated textured surface when an
operator places the timer in a manual setting mode (by, e.g.,
axially displacing a shaft that serves as the axis of rotation for
the cam-carrying member).
[0022] In the disclosed specific embodiment, the timer further
includes an actuator for engaging the cam-actuated switches and
moving the cam-actuated switches away from the cam surfaces of the
cam-carrying member when the operator places the timer in a manual
setting mode. Further, a clutch is included in the drive mechanism
for permitting slip in the drive train between the timing motor and
cam-carrying member when the operator places the timer in a manual
setting mode. When these elements are utilized, the sole source of
audible and/or tactile feedback to the operator when manually
setting the timer is the audible and/or tactile feedback member, so
that the "feel" of the timer during setting can be tightly
controlled and customized. In particular, different models of an
appliance line can be distinguished by the audible and/or tactile
feel provided by the timer during manual setting. A timer used in
the top of the line appliance model can be provided with a feel
that is found to be most desirable to typical customers. Gradations
of feel can be provided to different timers on lower end
models.
[0023] The textured surface of the cam-carrying member, and the
surface of the audible and/or tactile feedback member that engages
to the textured surface, can be configured in various ways to
provide the desired audible and/or tactile feedback. Specifically,
the ridges on the textured surface and on the engaging surface of
the audible and/or tactile feedback member can be made relatively
smooth and rounded, or relatively sharp-edged, to change the
audible and/or tactile feedback. Furthermore, the spacing between
the ridges or teeth on the audible and/or tactile feedback member
can be made wider or narrower, regular or irregular, intermittent
or random, to change the audible and/or tactile feedback.
[0024] Another aspect of the invention relates to the clutch
included in the drive mechanism. As noted above, the clutch permits
slip in the drive train between the timing motor and cam-carrying
member when the operator places the timer in a manual setting mode.
When the timer is in its run mode, the clutch also permits forward
rotation of the cam-carrying member independently of the timing
motor, but prevents independent reverse rotation of the
cam-carrying member.
[0025] In the disclosed embodiment, the clutch is in the form of a
first rotating member and a second rotating member that are
included in the drive train between the timing motor and
cam-carrying member. The first and second rotating members each
include a plurality of protrusions about their surface. When the
first and second rotating members are axially aligned, the
protrusions of the first rotating member mesh with the protrusions
of the second rotating member so as to engage the second rotating
member and force reverse rotation of the second rotating member
upon reverse rotation of the first rotating member, but permit slip
between the second rotating member and first rotating member upon
forward rotation of the first rotating member. When the first and
second rotating members are not axially aligned, there is no
engagement between the protrusions of the first and second rotating
members.
[0026] In the specific embodiment that is disclosed, the first and
second rotating members are gears in the drive train between the
timing motor and cam-carrying member. The first rotating member has
a plurality of clutch teeth positioned about an inside periphery
thereof, and the second rotating member has a plurality of clutch
prongs sized to engage the clutch teeth. The first rotating member
is annular and defines an orifice about its axis of symmetry. The
second rotating member is placed through the orifice so that the
clutch prongs of the second rotating member can be axially aligned
with the clutch teeth of the first rotating member.
[0027] The clutch prongs are circumferentially spaced so that the
prongs do not simultaneously align with the clutch teeth.
Specifically, there are m prongs circumferentially spaced about the
second rotating member, and n teeth circumferentially spaced about
the first rotating member; the prongs and teeth are arranged such
that exactly one prong aligns with exactly one tooth every
360/m.multidot.n degrees of relative rotation of the first and
second rotating members. In the disclosed specific embodiment,
there are five prongs (m=5) and twenty-four teeth (n=24), so that a
prong aligns with a tooth every three degrees of relative rotation
of the first and second rotating members. Furthermore, the prongs
are spaced so that, from a position where a prong on the second
rotating member is aligned with a tooth on the first rotating
member, three degrees of relative rotation will bring a prong on
approximately the opposite side of the second rotating member into
alignment with a tooth on the first rotating member.
[0028] A third aspect of the present invention relates to
structures of the switch arms in the timer. Specifically, the
contacting surfaces of one or several switch arms are lanced, that
is, there is a tear in the surface of the switch arm, and adjacent
the tear a first portion of the contact surface of the arm is
deflected away from the surface of the switch arm in a first
direction. This structure provides a sharp contact edge that
permits the switch arm to make good contact with adjacent switch
arm(s) while reducing the effects of corrosion, without resorting
to the use of expensive contact metal coatings.
[0029] In the illustrated specific embodiment of the invention, a
second portion of the contact surface adjacent to the tear in the
switch arm, extends away from the surface of the switch arm in a
second direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, there are
two lanced portions in the contact area of the switch arm extending
in opposite directions, so that a switch arm mounted between two
other switch arms will have extending portions suitable for making
contact with both other switch arms.
[0030] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the
mounting of the switch arms to the timer housing. The housing
includes first and second locating areas for receiving first and
second switch arm wafers. A first switch arm wafer is mounted to
the housing and rests against the first locating area, and a second
switch arm wafer is stacked atop the first switch arm wafer and
rests against the second locating area. In this manner, the
variation in the position of each switch arm wafer is reduced. The
effect of inaccuracies in the molding of the wafer or of the
housing can be minimized since each switch arm wafer is separately
located within the housing.
[0031] In the disclosed specific embodiment of this aspect, the
first and second locating areas comprise first and second steps,
and the first and second switch arm wafers are sized such that the
first switch wafer fits to the first step and inside of the second
step, and the second switch arm wafer fits to the second step and
overlaps the first. In addition, the first and second locating
areas comprise sections of one or more posts, each post having a
first section with a first larger diameter and a second section
with a second smaller diameter. The first switch wafer defines a
locating hole with a diameter larger than the first diameter, and
the second switch wafer defines a locating hole with a diameter
smaller than the first diameter but larger than the second
diameter, so that the first switch wafer fits over the first
section of each post whereas the second switch wafer fits over the
second section of each post. In embodiments with three or more
switch wafers (such as is illustrated below), additional steps may
be included to accurately locate those wafers as well.
[0032] In alternative embodiments, in place of steps, there may be
a continuous ramp, such that the first switch wafer is sized to
intersect the ramp in a first locating area, but the second switch
wafer is sized to intersect the ramp in a second locating area.
Furthermore, in place of stepped posts, there may be one or more
continuously tapering posts, such that the first switch wafer's
locating hole causes the first switch wafer to engage the
continuously tapering post in a first locating area, and the second
switch wafer's locating hole causes the second switch waver to
engage the continuously tapering post in a second locating
area.
[0033] A further aspect of the invention relates to the arrangement
of switch arms in the wafers. Specifically, at least one of the
switch arm wafers includes switch arms made of different metals.
This allows high current and low current switches to be mixed in a
single set of arms, where the high current switches are formed with
wider and/or more expensive metal arms, and/or with a more
heavy-duty contact, and the lower current arms are made with
narrower and/or less expensive metal arms, and/or with a less
heavy-duty contact.
[0034] Along with the differing switch arm materials and widths for
handling various current capacities, the timer of the present
invention also includes alternate embodiments of the structure and
location of the switch arms. In one embodiment, the timer includes
a configuration of two or more arrangements of switch arms, each
arrangement capable of carrying a different current. These
arrangements are located on either side of an axial center line of
the program cam with the tips of at least one set of the switch
arms overlaying a semicircular area of the cam. The tips of at
least the other set overlie the semicircular area of the cam, on
the opposite side of the axial center line relative to the first
semicircular area. Alternatively, the arrangement of switch arms
may be entirely located on one side of the axial centerline of the
program cam, with the tips of those switch arms overlaying the
corresponding semicircular area of the cam.
[0035] The timer of the present invention also includes single
point connections for electric dryer timers wherein the switch
arms, as discussed above, form a connector or a plurality of
connectors which are connected to the clothesdryer by a single
connector block. The block including this plurality of individual
connectors is mounted and/or molded in an insulating structure with
each individual connector attached to a wire or wires connected to
various functions of the dryer.
[0036] Alternatively, in those embodiments of the timer of the
present invention including arrangements of switch arms located on
either side of an axial center line or on the same side of an axial
center line, the timer may include a plurality of connector blocks.
Each of these connector blocks is connected to at least two of the
switch arms and includes a plurality of individual connectors
mounted or molded in an insulating structure with each individual
connector attached to a wire. A wire is connected to various
components and/or functions of the dryer.
[0037] An additional aspect of the invention relates to the
arrangement of the geartrain and timing motor. The timing motor
comprises a stator plate and a rotor mounted for rotation in the
stator plate. The geartrain comprises meshing gears positioned on
both opposite sides of the stator plate for providing a gear
reduction of the rotation of the timing motor. By mounting the
geartrain directly to the timing motor stator and including meshing
gears on both opposite sides of the stator plate, the size of the
timing motor and geartrain assembly can be substantially reduced as
compared to prior systems in which the timing motor is contained
within a separate housing and the geartrain is positioned entirely
outside of this housing.
[0038] Another aspect of the timer of the present invention is the
ability of the timer to provide a three-contact switch in which all
three contacts may simultaneously be connected together. This
capability can have useful application in some environments, and
potentially reduce the number of switches that are needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the cam-operated timer of the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the flat motor and split
geartrain assembly of the timer.
[0041] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the flat motor and split
geartrain assembly of FIG. 2A, particularly depicting the geartrain
sub-assembly journalled in the front housing of the timer.
[0042] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the flat motor and split
geartrain assembly of FIG. 2A, particularly depicting the geartrain
sub-assembly and main cam as they would be arranged when journalled
in the rear housing.
[0043] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the clutch mechanism,
geartrain and main cam of the timer.
[0044] FIG. 2E is an exploded view of the clutch mechanism,
geartrain and main cam of the timer.
[0045] FIG. 2F is a view of the outline of the clutch teeth of the
fifth stage gear superimposed on the outline of the clutch prongs
of the fifth stage pinion when the prongs are in their relaxed
position.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear housing of the
timer containing the flat motor and geartrain sub-assembly.
[0047] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a switch arm wafer having a
plurality of switch arms including electrical contacts and cam
followers.
[0048] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the switch wafer mounting
area of the rear housing shown in FIG. 3.
[0049] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the rear housing of FIG. 4B
containing a plurality of switch arm wafers in a stacked
configuration.
[0050] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of lanced contact faces on
switch arms of the timer.
[0051] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of insert molded cam followers
attached to switch arms of the timer.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front housing of the
timer, depicting the hub extension for testing of the timer
following assembly. FIGS. 7A-7F are partial cut-away views along
line 7 in FIG. 6.
[0053] FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the setting feedback system
of the timer of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 7B is a partially cutaway view of the timer of the
present invention depicting the setting feedback system in the
setting mode.
[0055] FIG. 7C is a partially cutaway view of the timer of the
present invention as shown in FIG. 7B wherein components of the
setting feedback system have been sectioned in half to display the
interaction of the latch and key mechanisms of the setting feedback
system.
[0056] FIG. 7D is a partially cutaway view of the timer of the
present invention depicting the positioning of the setting feedback
system during the operational mode of the timer.
[0057] FIG. 7E is a partially cutaway view of the timer of the
present invention depicting the positioning of the setting feedback
system during the operational mode of the timer, wherein components
of the setting feedback system have been sectioned in half to
display the interaction of the latch and key mechanisms of the
setting feedback system.
[0058] FIG. 7F is a partially cutaway view of the timer of the
present invention depicting the travel limiting boss and the
setting feedback system in the setting mode.
[0059] FIG. 7G is a perspective view of the main cam of the timer
of the present invention, depicting the custom feel profile of the
cam with a "V"-shaped follower providing tactile and/or audible
feedback.
[0060] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the timer of the present
invention, including switch arms mounted in switch wafers and a
connector block for attachment to the terminals of the switch
arms.
[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the timer of the present
invention depicting an alternate embodiment having two switch
blocks located on one side of an axial center line of the cam
carrying member.
[0062] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the timer of the present
invention depicting an alternate embodiment of the two switch block
configuration, having switch blocks located on opposite sides of
the axial center line of the cam carrying member.
[0063] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the timer of the present
invention depicting the alternate embodiment having two switch
blocks, with each switch block located on opposite sides of an
axial center line of the cam carrying member.
[0064] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connector block in
accordance with the principles of the present invention, depicting
connecting points for the terminals of the switch arms.
[0065] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the connector block of FIG.
12 in accordance with the principles of the present invention,
depicting the opposite face of the connector block.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] The present invention avoids the drawbacks and solves the
problems discussed in the background of the invention above. As
shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides a cam-operated
timer 10 including a flat timing motor 12 and split geartrain 14
assembly, a one-way clutch mechanism 16, switch arms 18 for
handling both standard and heavy duty electrical operations, a
method of locating switch arm wafers 20 in the timer 10, electrical
contacts 22 having lanced faces 24, insert molded arm cam followers
26 attached to the switch arms 18, a cam hub extension 28 for
testing the operation of the timer 10 following assembly, and a
setting feedback system 30.
[0067] More particularly, depicted in FIG. 1 is the illustrated
embodiment of the cam-operated timer 10 of the present invention.
As can be seen, the timer 10 includes a front housing 34 and a rear
housing 36. Contained within the front housing 34 and rear housing
36 are the various components of the timer 10, including the flat
timing motor 12 and split geartrain 14 assembly. A Westclox motor,
including a flat stator plate with a rotor is known in the prior
art.
[0068] The timing motor 12 and geartrain 14 drive the main cam 38
of the timer 10. A plurality of program cam surfaces 40 are
continuous about and integral with the face of the main cam 38 and
provide a geometry to be contacted by the cam followers 26 of the
switch arms 18. As the main cam 38 rotates, the varying contours of
these program cam surfaces 40 move the switch arms 18 of the timer
10 between neutral and offset positions. A plurality of these
switch arms 18 are housed in a common wafer 20.
[0069] The movement of the switch arms 18 relative to one another
results in the activation and deactivation of electrical circuits
which operate the cycles of the appliance (not shown) to which the
timer 10 is associated. The wafers 20 containing switch arms 18 are
located in the rear housing 36 of the timer 10 over molded stepped
plastic posts 128 in order to increase accuracy in the timer 10 of
the present invention. The switch arms 18 include insert molded cam
followers 26 which actively contact and follow the geometry of the
program cam surfaces 40 of the main cam 38. The switch arms 18 may
be constructed of various materials depending on their use.
[0070] The cam-operated timer 10 of the present invention further
includes a hub extension 28 protruding outside the front housing 34
of the timer 10. This hub extension 28 is integral with the main
cam 38. Following assembly of the timer 10, the hub extension 28 is
used for testing the operation of the switch arms 18 of the timer
10. By the particular configuration of the components of the hub
extension 28, all timers produced may be tested by the same testing
device following assembly.
[0071] The cam-operated timer 10 of the present invention also
includes a setting feedback (SF) system 30. By this SF system 30,
cam followers 26 are lifted off the program cam surfaces 40 so that
a single shaped leaf spring, e.g., a "V"-shaped (or alternatively
"U"-shaped) follower 238 remains in contact with a custom feel
profile 236 on the side of the main cam 38 proximal the front
housing 34. This "V"-shaped follower 238 acts as a tactile and/or
audible feedback member, by engaging the textured surface of the
custom feel profile 236 to impart such tactile feel to the user
during rotation of the main cam 38. Each of the above-described
features of the cam-operated timer 10 of the present invention will
be discussed in greater detail below.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C, the illustrated embodiment
of timer 10 of the present invention includes a timing motor 12 and
geartrain 14 assembly to drive the main cam 38 of the timer 10. The
timing motor 12 includes a stator plate 42 and an L-bracket 44. The
stator plate 42 is formed from a flat steel stamping, and includes
an orifice 46, the circumference of which is bounded by a plurality
of stator poles 48. The timing motor 12 of the present invention
also includes a rectangular bobbin coil 50 having square wire
terminals 52 that plug into buss bars 53 in the timer 10. The
stator plate 42, L-bracket 44 and bobbin coil 50 are located in the
rear housing 36 of the timer 10 over molded plastic posts 54 (see
FIG. 3). A locating hole and plurality of details 56 are formed
through the flat steel stamping of the stator plate 42. In
assembling the stator plate 42 into the rear housing 36 of the
timer 10, the molded plastic posts 54 (see FIG. 3) integral with
the rear housing 36 are disposed through the locating hole and
details 56 in the stator plate 42.
[0073] The timing motor sub-assembly also includes a rotor 58,
which is disposed within the orifice 46 in the flat steel stamping
of the stator plate 42. The rotor 58 includes a steel rotor post 60
extending through the body of the rotor 58 in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the stator plate 42.
This rotor post 60 is journalled in a socket 72 (see FIG. 3) molded
in and integral with the rotor holding clip 68 of the timer 10. The
opposite end of the rotor post 60 includes a rotor pinion 62
operatively connected to a first stage gear 64 of the geartrain 14.
The rotor 58 is free to rotate on rotor post 60 within the housing
of the timer 10. The rotor 58 additionally includes a plurality of
rotor poles 66 along its outer circumference.
[0074] The rotor 58 is held in place by a rotor holding clip 68
which spans the orifice 46 in the stator plate 42. The rotor
holding clip 68 is disposed through air gaps 70 in the stator plate
42 formed in orifice 46 between stator poles 48. The section of the
rotor holding clip 68 spanning orifice 46 includes a socket 72 (see
FIG. 3) in which rotor post 60 is disposed to provide an axis of
rotation for rotor 58. The rotor holding clip 68 also prevents the
rotor 58 from falling out during final assembly.
[0075] The operation of the timing motor occurs by a magnetic field
flowing around and through the stator poles 48 and rotor poles 66.
The rotor 58 has a single permanent magnet (not shown) within its
body producing flux along the direction of the axis of rotation.
Electrical current is applied to the winding of the bobbin coil 50
attached to the stator plate 42, producing alternating flux passing
through the stator plate 42. This causes the rotor 58 to move in
synchrony with the flux in the stator plate 42. The stator poles 48
in the surface of the stator plate 42 adjacent to the position of
the rotor 58 help to focus the flux. Since there is no forming
required, rotor 58 to stator pole 48 air gaps can be controlled
much more accurately than in the traditional round cup style timing
motor where the poles are formed and susceptible to bending. The
bobbin coil 50 is also much more efficient in this flat timing
motor 12 than in a round timing motor. Since the magnet wire is
wrapped around only the steel instead of around the rotor 58, much
less wire is required to achieve magnetic saturation of the stator
plate 42.
[0076] The geartrain 14 driven by the timing motor sub-assembly
provides a constant speed of rotation to the main cam 38 and is
split on both sides of the stator plate 42. As a result, all gear
and pinion meshes are completed during sub-assembly operations and
the only blind assembly is mating a splined shaft 74 on a third
stage pinion 76 with a splined socket 78 on a third stage gear 80.
The rotor pinion 62, first stage gear 64, a first stage pinion 82,
a second stage gear 84, a second stage pinion 86 (shown in FIG. 2C)
and the third stage gear 80 are located over molded posts 54 (see
FIG. 3) or sockets (not shown) integral with the rear housing 36 of
the timer 10. These components are assembled and the timing motor
sub-assemblies positioned over them and staked in place. The third
stage pinion 76, a fourth stage gear 88, a fourth stage pinion 90,
a fifth stage gear 92 and a fifth stage pinion 94 and the main cam
38 are assembled over molded posts or sockets (not shown) in the
front housing 34 of the timer 10. The rear housing 36 is then
inverted and snapped in place over the front housing 34, capturing
the entire timing motor 12 and geartrain 14. During the final
assembly operation, the splined shaft 74 on the third stage pinion
76 mates with a splined socket 78 on the third stage gear 80
completing the geartrain 14.
[0077] In operation, as the rotor 58 is driven by magnetic flux
across stator poles 48 and rotor poles 66, the rotor pinion 62
rotates, thereby rotating the first stage gear 64 to which rotor
pinion 62 is operatively connected. First stage pinion 82 (see FIG.
2A) rotates cooperatively with first stage gear 64 and in turn,
rotates second stage gear 84, to which first stage pinion 82 is
operatively connected. Second stage pinion 86 rotates cooperatively
with second stage gear 84 and in turn, rotates third stage gear 80,
to which second stage pinion 86 is operatively connected. Third
stage pinion 76 rotates cooperatively with third stage gear 80 and
in turn, rotates fourth stage gear 88, to which third stage pinion
76 is operatively connected. Fourth stage pinion 90 rotates
cooperatively with fourth stage gear 88 and in turn, rotates fifth
stage gear 92, to which fourth stage pinion 90 is operatively
connected. Fifth stage pinion 94 rotates cooperatively with fifth
stage gear 92 and in turn, drives the main cam 38 of the timer 10
to which fifth stage pinion 94 is operatively connected. At the
same time, square wire terminals 52 of the bobbin coil 50 mate with
buss bars 53 located in the front housing 34 of the timer 10,
providing two isolated electrical terminals for the timing motor
under the standard switch block terminals. In this manner, assembly
of the timer 10 is effected with the connection of the splined
shaft 74 of the third stage pinion 76 to the socket 78 of the third
stage gear 80 being the only blind assembly. This enhances the ease
of assembly, thereby reducing error in assembly and subsequent
failure of the timer 10.
[0078] The geartrain 14 of the present invention also includes an
anti-backup clip 98. The anti-backup clip 98 is formed from plastic
and is disposed about the axis of rotation of the second stage gear
84. The anti-backup clip 98 includes an arm 100 split on opposite
sides of the base 102 of the rotor pinion 62. The base 102 of the
rotor pinion 62 includes a finger 104 which protrudes from the
base. The anti-backup clip 98 includes a clip finger 106 which
follows the circumferential geometry of the base 102 of the rotor
pinion 62 as it rotates cooperatively with the rotor 58. The
interaction of finger 104 and clip finger 106 will only permit
rotation of the rotor 58 in one direction (counter-clockwise as
shown in FIG. 2C). In this manner, the proper direction of rotation
of the rotor 58 is insured upon the start of the timing motor
12.
[0079] In another embodiment of the cam-operated timer 10 of the
present invention, the geartrain 14 may include a run indicator
(not shown). Since appliances tend to make noise during operation,
it is desirable to have a run indicator to determine whether the
timer 10 is running. To this end, the tip of the splined third
stage pinion 76 shaft has an arrow (not shown) molded on the end of
it and extends through a hole (not shown) in the rear housing 36.
When viewed from the rear of the timer 10, if the arrow is rotating
(approximately one r.p.m.), the timing motor is running.
[0080] As depicted in FIGS. 2A through 2E and most particularly in
FIGS. 2D and 2E, the geartrain 14 assembly of the present invention
includes a clutch mechanism 16 which allows manual rotation of the
main cam 38, only in a forward direction. During manual operation
of the main cam 38, any unchecked rotation of the cam 38 in a
reverse direction may result in damage to various components of the
timer 10, particularly the switch arms 18. To eliminate the
possibility of such damage and to allow the timer 10 to be manually
set by advancing the cam 38 in a forward direction, the geartrain
14 will not slip relative to the main cam 38 during attempted
manual reverse rotation of the cam, thus preventing any such
reverse rotation. However, the clutch mechanism 16 allows slip
between the geartrain 14 and the cam 38 when the main cam 38 is
manually advanced.
[0081] The clutch mechanism 16 for the constant speed drive system
of the timer 10 of the present invention includes the fifth stage
gear 92 and fifth stage pinion 94. The fifth stage gear 92 has a
series of protrusions, hereinafter referred to as clutch teeth 110,
about the inside circumference of the gear ring 112 of the fifth
stage gear 92 on the face of the gear 92 most proximal to the front
housing 34 of the timer 10. The outer periphery of this gear ring
112 includes the teeth of the fifth stage gear 92 that mesh with
the teeth of the fourth stage pinion 90. The fifth stage pinion 94
includes a plurality of pinion teeth 116 disposed about the outer
periphery of the fifth stage pinion 94. These pinion teeth 116
engage teeth on a gear ring 117 disposed about the outer periphery
of the main cam 38. The fifth stage pinion 94 includes a plurality
of clutch prongs 118 extending from the outer circumference of the
fifth stage pinion 94 on the end distal to the pinion teeth 116.
When the fifth stage pinion 94 is placed through an orifice 120
located through the center of the fifth stage gear 92, the pinion
teeth 116 nest with the teeth on the gear ring 117 on the main cam
38 on the side of the fifth stage gear 92 distal to the front
housing 34 of the timer 10. The end of the fifth stage pinion 94
including the clutch prongs 118 is thus disposed on the side of the
fifth stage gear 92 most proximal to the front housing 34 of the
timer 10. During this engagement, the clutch prongs 118 of the
fifth stage pinion 94 abut the clutch teeth 110 located about the
inner circumference of the fifth stage gear 92. In this
relationship, each clutch tooth 110 includes a flat side 122 that
is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
clutch prong 118 to which it is associated and a ramped side 124
that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
clutch prong 118 to which it is associated.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 2D and 2E, the clutch mechanism 16 of the
timer 10 of the present invention functions as follows: During
normal operation of the timer 10, as the fourth stage pinion 90
rotates (clockwise in FIG. 2D) and drives the fifth stage gear 92
(counter-clockwise), the clutch teeth 110 move cooperatively with
the fifth stage gear 92 such that the flat sides 122 of the clutch
teeth 110 abut the distal tips 126 of the clutch prongs 118 of the
fifth stage pinion 94. As discussed, these flat sides 122 are
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clutch
prongs 118 such that the prongs 118 cannot slip past the clutch
teeth 110. This causes the fifth stage pinion 94 to rotate
cooperatively (counter clockwise) with the fifth stage gear 92. The
fifth stage pinion 94 in turn is operatively connected to a gear
ring 117 on the periphery of the main cam 38, thereby resulting in
the forward rotation of the main cam 38 (clockwise). Thus, during
normal operation of the timer 10, the geartrain 14 and main cam 38
of the timer 10 are engaged.
[0083] In the situation in which the main cam 38 is advanced
manually in order to set the timer 10, the progression of rotation
proceeds from main cam 38, to fifth stage pinion 94, to fifth stage
gear 92, and so on back down the geartrain 14. Thus, the fifth
stage pinion 94, being operatively connected to the main cam 38,
will rotate (counter-clockwise in FIG. 2D) as the main cam 38 is
advanced (clockwise). As the fifth stage pinion 94 rotates, the
clutch prongs 118 of the fifth stage pinion 94 abut and slide over
the ramped side 124 of the clutch teeth 110. As discussed, these
ramped sides 124 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the clutch prongs 118 to which they are associated, thus
offering little resistance to the movement of the prongs 118 with
respect to the clutch teeth 110. This action causes the clutch 16
to slip and allows the timer 10 to be manually set due to slip
permitted by the geartrain 14 relative to the main cam 38.
[0084] In the situation in which the main cam 38 is attempted to be
reversed manually, the clutch mechanism 16 will prevent any such
reverse rotation of the main cam 38. Upon attempted reverse
rotation of the main cam 38 (counter-clockwise in FIG. 2D), the
fifth stage pinion 94 will rotate (clockwise) cooperatively with
the main cam 38 so that the distal tips 126 of the clutch prongs
118 abut the flat sides 122 of the clutch teeth 110 that are
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the prongs
118. In this position, the clutch prongs 118 cannot slide over the
clutch teeth 110. Thus, the clutch 16 does not slip, and the
geartrain 14 does not permit slip relative to the main cam 38. The
forces applied due to friction and the gear ratio of the geartrain
14 thus prevent reverse manual rotation of the main cam 38.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 2F, details of the interaction of the
clutch teeth 110 on the fifth stage gear 92 and clutch prongs 118
on the fifth stage pinion 94 can be explored. FIG. 2F shows the
outline of the teeth of fifth stage gear 92 superimposed on the
outline of the prongs 118 of fifth stage pinion 94 in its relaxed
position. This shows the relative sizes of these parts. It will be
appreciated that when the prongs 118 of the fifth stage pinion 94
are meshed with the teeth 110 of fifth stage gear, the prongs will
be flexed (with the exception of the single prong that may be
aligned as is the case with prong 118a in FIG. 2F).
[0086] The clutch prongs 118 are circumferentially spaced so that
the prongs 118 do not simultaneously-align with the clutch teeth.
Specifically, there are five prongs circumferentially spaced about
the fifth stage pinion 94, and twenty-four teeth 110
circumferentially spaced about the fifth stage gear 92; the prongs
118 and teeth 110 are arranged such that exactly one prong 118
aligns with exactly one tooth 110, and drops into engagement with
the tooth in the manner of prong 118a and tooth 110a, every three
(360/24.multidot.5) degrees of relative rotation of the fifth stage
pinion 94 and fifth stage gear 92.
[0087] Furthermore, the prongs 118 are spaced so that, from a
position where a tooth and prong are aligned, three degrees of
relative rotation will bring another prong 118 and tooth 110, on
approximately the opposite side of the fifth stage pinion 94 and
fifth stage gear 92, into alignment. As seen in FIG. 2F, prong 118a
on the fifth stage pinion 94 is aligned with a tooth 110a on the
fifth stage gear 92. Three degrees of relative counterclockwise
motion of fifth stage pinion 94 relative to fifth stage gear 92
will bring prong 118b into alignment with tooth 110b. A further
three degrees of relative motion will bring prong 118c into
alignment with tooth 110c. Another three degrees will bring prong
118d into alignment with tooth 110d. A final three degrees of
motion will bring prong 118e into alignment with tooth 110e. This
allows for a maximum of three degrees of backlash in the clutch,
which is desirable to prevent damage from reverse motion of the
cam. Furthermore, if a heavy load is placed on the clutch such that
the currently engaged prong is flexed, after only three degrees of
reverse rotation, a second prong 118 will engage with its
corresponding tooth 110 on the opposite side of the pinion 94 and
gear 92, causing the torque load to be shared between two prongs on
opposite sides.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 3, the flat stator plate 42, L-bracket
44 and rotor 58 of the timing motor sub-assembly 12 are depicted as
mounted in the rear housing 36 of the timer 10 over molded plastic
posts 54. Additionally, stepped locating posts 128 and stepped
walls 130 are shown. These posts 128 and walls 130 are used to
locate wafers 20 containing a plurality of switch arms 18 in the
rear housing 36 of the timer 10. During normal operation of the
timer 10, as the main cam 38 advances, the program cam surfaces 40
on the face of the main cam 38 result in movement of the switch
arms 18. The movement of the switch arms 18 causes electrical
contacts 22 (see FIGS. 4A, 5A) to be made, thereby operating the
cycle of the appliance to which the timer 10 is associated.
[0089] As shown more particularly in FIGS. 4A through 4C, the
switch arms 18 of the timer 10 are contained in a common switch arm
wafer 20, which is disposed over plastic posts 128 in the rear
housing 36 of the timer 10. The wafer 20 is injection molded from a
suitable thermoplastic material, and carries a plurality of switch
arms 18. The wafer 20 of the illustrated embodiment of the present
invention is of a generally rectangular shape, having an end face
140, a terminal face 142 and two slides 132, 134 which abut walls
136, 138 integral with the rear housing 36. The switch arms 18 are
molded into the wafer 20 with distal ends 144 (see FIG. 4A)
projecting as cantilevers from the end face 140 of the wafer 20.
Terminals 146 of the switch arms 18 project oppositely from the
terminal face 142 of the wafer 20. The switch arm wafer 20
additionally includes a locating hole 148 and a locating notch 150,
through which the plastic locating posts 128 are disposed. The
wafer 20 also includes wafer arms 152 which extend from the end
face 140 of the wafer parallel to and in the same direction as the
distal ends 144 of the switch arms 18. In the illustrated
embodiment of the timer 10 of the present invention, three switch
arm wafers 154, 156, 158 are located in the rear housing 36 of the
timer 10 in a stacked configuration. Each switch arm 18 molded into
a wafer 20 may be made of the same material as or different
materials from the other switch arms 18.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 4A, the structure of switch arms 18
contained within a wafer 20, is shown. In the illustrated
embodiment of the timer 10 of the present invention, at least one
of the switch arms 18 is made of a different size and material than
the remainder of the switch arms 18. The switch arm wafer 20 shown
includes a plurality of standard switch arms 160 and one heavy duty
switch arm 162. As developed in the background of the invention,
the switch arms 18 of quick connect appliance timers 10 are
generally all made of the same material and have terminals that are
0.125 inches wide by 0.020 inches thick. Such switch arms 18
operate well for applications where the electrical loads are
handled well by standard alloy brass material and a 1/8 inch
terminal size. In certain appliances however, such as an electric
dryer, switch arm materials and terminals capable of handling
greater heater loads in addition to the more typical loads of other
appliances, may be necessary. In order to handle such increased
current requirements, the timer 10 of the present invention
includes at least one heavy duty switch arm 162. This heavy duty
switch arm 162 is made of a material with better electrical
properties than standard alloy brass. An example of such a material
would be copper alloy 194 or 197. The heavy duty switch arm 162 of
the present invention is also greater in width than the standard
switch arms 18. In the illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, the heavy duty switch arm 162 is about 1/4 inch wide.
Since copper alloy is more expensive than brass alloy, the copper
alloy is used only for the heavy duty switch arms 162 required to
control the greater current requirements, while using less
expensive brass alloys for the remainder of applications of the
standard switch arms 160.
[0091] In the illustrated embodiment of the timer 10 of the present
invention one heavy duty switch arm 162 is inserted molded with a
plurality of standard switch arms 160 in a common wafer 20. Three
wafers 154, 156, 158 will then be stacked one on top of another
together to provide the switching functions required for the
application of the device to which the timer 10 is associated. By
providing only one heavy duty switch arm 162 with the more
expensive copper alloy the costs of the timer 10 are reduced and a
timer 10 which can handle increased 25 amp circuit requirements is
provided.
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 8-13, along with the heavy duty
switch arm 162 having differing switch arms materials and/or
different switch arm widths for handling various current
capacities, the timer 10 of the present invention also includes
alternate embodiments regarding the structure and location of the
switch arms 18. In the timer 10 as described above, the switch arms
18 are attached in wafers 154, 156, 158, and, as can be seen in
FIG. 8, are amenable to connection to a single connector block 300.
However, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 in particular, in a first
alternate embodiment of the present invention, the timer 10
includes a configuration including two or more switchblock
arrangements of switch arms 18 in wafers 20. Each of these
arrangements includes at least one heavy duty switch arm 162, and
therefore is capable of carrying greater electrical currents. These
switchblock arrangements are located on opposite sides of an axial
center line 314 of the program cam 38 with the distal ends of at
least a first set 316 of the switch arms 18 overlaying a first
semicircular area 320 of the cam-carrying member 38. The distal
ends of the second set 318 of switch arms 18 will overlie a second
semicircular area 322 of the cam 38, located on the opposite side
of the axial center line 314 from the first semicircular area
318.
[0093] In particular, in this first alternate embodiment of the
timer 10 of the present invention, the timer 10 includes a
plurality of cam-actuated switches 18, with each switch having at
least a first and second metal arm. A plurality of these arms 18
are then mounted in a first switch arm wafer 154 and a plurality of
the arms 18 are mounted in a second switch arm wafer 156. As can be
seen from the Figures, these first and second switch wafers 154,
156 are then mounted in the timer 10 as stacked atop one another.
Additionally, the timer 10 of the first alternate embodiment may
include a plurality of switch arms 18 mounted in a third wafer 324
and a plurality of switch arms 18 mounted in a fourth wafer 326.
These third and fourth wafers 324, 326 are also stacked atop one
another. The first and second wafers 154, 156 are then located on a
first side 320 of the axial center line 314 of the cam-carrying
member 38 and the third and fourth wafers 324, 326 are located on a
second side 322 of the axial center line 314 of the cam-carrying
member 38. As a result of the respective locations of the first and
second, and third and fourth wafers 154, 156, 324, 326, the switch
arms 18 of the first and second wafers 154, 156 overlie a first
semicircular area 320 defined by the outer periphery of the
cam-carrying member 38 and the axial center line 314. Likewise, the
switch arms 18 mounted in the third and fourth wafers 334, 336
overlie a second semicircular area 322 of the cam-carrying member
38 on the opposite side of that axial center line 314 from the
first and second wafers 154, 156. Additionally, as will be
appreciated by those having skill in the art, the timer 10 may
include any number of wafers.
[0094] In a second alternative embodiment, two or more arrangements
of switch arms 18 may be located entirely on one side of the axial
centerline 314 of the program cam 38. In such a configuration, the
distal ends of those switch arms 18 will overlie a corresponding
semicircular area, such as 320, of the cam 38 (as depicted in FIG.
9).
[0095] As described previously, the timer 10 of the present
invention also includes single point connections for electric dryer
timers wherein the switch arms 18, as discussed above, form a
connector or a plurality of connectors which are connected to the
clothesdryer by a single connector block 300. The block 300
including this plurality of individual connectors 310 is mounted
and/or molded in an insulating structure 312 with each individual
connector 310 attached to a wire or wires (not shown) connected to
various components of the dryer.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 12, and 13, views of the connector
block 300 in accordance with the principles of the present
invention are shown. As can be seen, the connector block 300 is
operatively connected to the terminal ends of the switch arms 18
mounted in the switch wafers 20. The use of the connector block 300
eliminates the need for individual leads from each of the terminals
to various components of the appliance, such as a dryer. In
alternate embodiments of the present invention including two or
more arrangements of switch blocks 316, 318, as discussed above,
two or more connectors may be used with each connector attaching to
a respective switch block. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that one connector block 300 may include terminals of
different widths, materials, and/or current carrying capacities, or
each of the plurality of connector blocks may include terminals
having switch arms of different widths, materials, and/or current
carrying capacities.
[0097] The connector switch block of the present invention replaces
the individual wiring harness connections on standard dryer timers
with one connector block containing both low and high amperage
circuits. The present invention eliminates the need for high
amperage connectors in dryer timers and minimizes connections which
need to be made. An oversized connector within the plug is used for
high amperage circuits and a regular sized connector in the plug is
used for low amperage circuits, thereby creating a configuration by
which the connector plug may only be attached to the circuits in
the correct manner.
[0098] In one embodiment of the invention, the quick connector
block 300 includes connectors having a capacity of at least 20
amps. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the
quick connector block 300 of the present invention has a capacity
in the range of about 15 amps to about 25 amps.
[0099] Referring now to FIGS. 4B and 4C, a method for locating
switch arm wafers 20 in the rear housing 36 of the timer 10 of the
present invention is depicted. As developed in the background of
the invention, location of each switch arm 20 with respect to its
counterparts in adjacent wafers 20 is critical for timing accuracy.
Thus, the spacing and location of switch arm wafers 20 in their
stacked configuration is integral to this accuracy. The wafer
locating method of the timer 10 of the present invention eliminates
the problem of maintaining tolerances over large surfaces in the
switch mounting, and results in extremely accurate switch arm
placement and thus, increased accuracy in the functionality of the
timer 10.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 4B, plastic posts 128 are molded integral
to the rear housing 36 of the timer 10. These posts 128 include
steps 164 so that each section of post 128 of equal diameter to
each successive step 164 corresponds to a particular switch arm
wafer 20. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention,
each post 128 includes three sections of varying diameter to
correspond to the three switch wafers 154, 156, 158 of the timer
10. Additionally, steps 168 operating as functional contours are
molded into the wall 130 of the rear housing 36 of the timer 10
defining the boundary of location of the switch arm wafers 154,
156, 158.
[0101] FIG. 4C shows the three switch arm wafers 154, 156, 158 of
the illustrated embodiment of the present invention disposed over
the stepped posts 128 in a stacked configuration. The stepped posts
128 have a length of 0.600 inches in the illustrated embodiment of
the present invention. Since the location of all three wafers 154,
156, 158 with respect to the cam 38 is critical for timing
accuracy, the posts 128 are stepped 126 to eliminate the need for
draft over the 0.600 inch length. Each wafer 20 is 0.200 inches
thick, so every 0.200 inch length of the locating posts 128, the
diameter of the post 128 is reduced by 0.010 inches. Thus, the
locating hole 148 and locating notch 150 in the lower wafer 154 are
0.010 inches smaller in diameter than the locating hole 148 and
notch 150 in the center wafer 156. In like manner, the locating
hole 148 and notch 150 in the center wafer 156 are 0.010 inches
smaller in diameter than the locating hole 148 and notch 150 in the
upper wafer 158. Since only a small surface determines the position
of the wafer in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of
the cam, a tight tolerance can be held for the location of each
wafer 154, 156, 158.
[0102] As discussed, each wafer 20 also includes an arm 152 on each
side of the wafer 20 extending from the end face 140 of the wafer
20 in the same direction as and substantially parallel to the
distal end 144 of the switch arms 18. The end of each arm 152 is
held in close relationship with the steps 168 of the wall 130
molded in the rear housing 36. This helps to resist the force
exerted on the switch arm assembly 18 during mating of a connector
plug. These wafer arms 152 are of varying lengths for the upper,
center and lower wafers 158, 156, 154 of the present invention in
order to correspond to the walls 130 in the rear housing 36 of the
timer 10. Thus the wafer arm 152 of the lower wafer 154 is 0.020
inches longer than the wafer arm 152 of the center wafer 156. In
like manner, the wafer arm 152 of the center wafer 156 is 0.020
inches longer than the wafer arm 152 of the upper wafer 158. As
with the locating posts 128, the steps 168 of the walls 130
facilitate holding tight tolerances over relatively long vertical
distances.
[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, two additional aspects of
the switch arms 18 of the cam-operated timer 10 of the present
invention are depicted: electrical contacts 22 having lanced faces
24 and cam followers 26 molded onto the distal ends 144 of switch
arms 18.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 5A, electrical contacts 22 are located on
the surfaces of each of the switch arms 18 at their distal end 144.
These contacts 22 make and break electrical circuits that drive the
various cycles of an appliance. As previously discussed and as
shown in FIG. 4C, the illustrated embodiment of the present
invention includes three switch arm wafers 154, 156, 158 in a
stacked configuration and located in the rear housing 36 of the
timer 10. Thus, three switch arms 170, 172, 174 will be disposed
adjacent over one another in the illustrated embodiment of the
present inception. Contacts 22 will be located on an upper switch
arm 170, a center switch arm 172 and a lower switch arm 174.
Generally, upper and lower switch arms 170, 174 will include
contacts 22 on the surface proximal to the center switch arm 172,
and the center switch arm 172 will include contacts 22 on both its
upper and lower surfaces. Thus, circuits may be made between upper
and center switch arms 170, 172 and between center and lower switch
arms 172, 174. Additionally, circuits may be made between upper,
center and lower switch arms 170, 172, 174 by having all three
contact one another simultaneously.
[0105] The faces 24 of the electrical contacts 22 are lanced. Due
to these lanced faces 24, the timer 10 of the present invention may
be operated, and electrical circuits completed, even though
corrosion may be present on the contacts 22 of the switch arms 18
and without using expensive silver alloy as a component of the
contacts 22.
[0106] As developed in the background of the invention, contacts 22
used to switch low current devices often are comprised of precious
metals. In such applications, the presence of any corrosion on the
contacts 22 may prevent the electrical circuit from being
completed. This problem is ameliorated by the high conductivity of
precious metals. However, such metals are very expensive, thereby
raising the cost of the product. To obviate the need for precious
metals, other switches use dimpled switch arms. However, the
dimpled switch arm material does not provide the corrosion
resistance of a precious metal, and the dimple may only be formed
on one side of the switch arm making it necessary to use a contact
rivet for the center arm.
[0107] Lanced contacts solve the above-discussed problems. As shown
in FIG. 5A, the lower contact 176 of the center switch arm 172 is
provided with a lanced face 24 having a knife edge 178. The lanced
face 24 of the opposing upper contact 180 of the lower switch arm
174 includes a similar knife edge 178 formed to contact the lower
contact 176 of the center switch arm 172.
[0108] By providing a knife edge 178 on the lanced face 24 of the
contact 22, an extremely high force is generated at the point of
contact when the switch arms 172, 174 are moved as a result of the
geometry of the program cam surfaces 40 to complete an electrical
circuit. This high contact force on the sharp knife edges 178 of
the lanced faces of contacts 176, 180 will cut through any
corrosion or contamination that may be on the switch arms 172, 174,
thereby reliably completing the electrical circuit. Second, the
switch arm 18 can be lanced in both directions in the same location
providing a raised lanced contact face 24 for both sides of the
center switch arm 172. This eliminates the need to rivet a contact
on one side of the center switch arm 172.
[0109] Although all of the contacts are shown as having lanced
faces, it will be appreciated that only some of the contacts may be
lanced, as desired, while obtaining the benefits described
above.
[0110] Referring now to FIG. 5B, each switch arm 18 of the timer 10
of the present invention has an insert molded plastic cam follower
26 attached to the distal end 144 of the switch arm 18. The cam
followers 26 are molded to the upper, center and lower switch arms
170, 172, 174 and move the switch arms 18 between neutral and
offset positions as a result of the geometry of the program cam
surfaces 40. Each cam follower 26 for a set of upper, center and
lower switch arms 170, 172, 174 is associated with a single program
surface 40 on the main cam 38. Thus, for each trio of switch arms
18 there are three dedicated program surfaces 40 on the main cam
38. The cam followers 26 molded to the upper arms 170 also provide
an arc shield between each set of contacts 22. This type of molded
tip design allows precise control of the location of each contact
22, improving contact air gap control and timing accuracy.
[0111] Since each switch arm 18 has its own molded plastic cam
follower 26, the position of each switch arm 18 is controlled
independently by the program cam surface 40 on the main cam 38 to
which the cam follower 26 is associated. As such, the numerous
possible configurations of switch arms 18 increases the variety of
types of electrical contacts that can be made in the timer 10 of
the present invention. For example, a set of switch arms (upper
170, center 172 and lower 174) can be operated as a conventional
single-pole double-throw switch by allowing the upper and lower cam
followers 182, 186, associated with the upper and lower switch arms
170, 174 respectively to ride on a constant cam level while the
center switch follower 184, associated with the center switch arm
172, rides on neutral level for an off position, an upper offset
position to complete the electrical circuit between the upper and
center switch arms 170, 172, or a lower offset position to complete
the circuit between the center and lower switch arms 172, 174. This
configuration provides slow-make fast-break circuits at the upper
and center switch arms 170, 172 and fast-make slow-break circuits
at the center and lower switch arms 172, 174.
[0112] The set of switch arms 18 can also operate as a double-pole
single-throw switch by allowing the center switch follower 184 to
ride on a neutral cam level while the lower switch follower 186
rides on an upper offset position to make the circuit between the
lower and center switch arms 174, 172, and the upper switch
follower 182 rides on a lower offset position to make the circuit
between the upper and center switch arms 170, 172. This
configuration provides fast-make slow-break for circuits at the
upper and center switch arms 170, 172 and slow-make fast-break for
circuits at the center and lower switch arms 172, 174.
[0113] By combining these two different types of switch actions and
allowing all three switch arms 170, 172, 174 to ride on various
neutral or offset cam levels, it is also possible to provide
fast-make fast-break and slow-make slow-break for both top and
bottom circuits as well. Fast-make and break results in improved
accuracy since a dropping switch arm action is well defined.
Another advantage of fast-make and break is a reduced contact
erosion and heating which results in increased switch life. Yet
another advantage of a fast make and break is a reduction in
duration of radio frequency interference due to the fact that the
circuit is closed and opened instantaneously, providing instant
contact force and instant air gap.
[0114] It will be noted that the independent control of the three
switch arms 18 also permits the three switch arms of a group to be
simultaneously connected together, e.g. by maintaining the center
switch arm in a neutral position while driving the lower switch arm
up into the center switch arm and allowing the upper switch arm to
drop into contact with the center switch arm. The resulting
three-way connection allows for switching possibilities that under
some circumstances may be advantageous, and potential reduce the
number of switches needed for a particular application.
[0115] The cam followers 26 also provide geometry for a setting
feedback (SF) actuator 208 to raise the followers 26 off the
program cam surface 40. When the cam followers 26 are raised, the
main cam 38 can be rotated in either direction to set the timer 10
to a particular cycle. As shown in FIG. 5B, the front edge of each
cam follower 26 includes an arcuate face 188 curving from the tip
190 of the cam follower 26 which contacts the main cam 38 at a
direction substantially perpendicular to the program cam surfaces
40 of the main cam 38. This leading edge 192 extends from the
distal end 144 of the switch arm 18 along the longitudinal axis of
the switch arm 18. The arcuate surface 188 then curves 90.degree.
from that tip 190 to a leading edge 192 of the cam follower 26 that
is substantially parallel to the program cam surface 40 of the main
cam 38. The arcuate face 188 and leading edge 192 are engaged by
the SF actuator 208 of the SF system 30 to lift the cam followers
26 off the program cam surface 40. The interaction of the SF
actuator 208 and cam followers 26 will be explained in greater
detail below.
[0116] Referring now to FIG. 6, the structure of the timer 10 of
the present invention involved during testing of the timer 10 is
shown. Cam-operated timer 10 testing takes place after assembly has
been completed. The purpose of the cam-operated timer 10 test is to
test the operation of cam-operated timer 10 components, including
the switch arms 18. This test verifies operation of the switch arms
18 by the program cam surfaces 40 of the main cam 38 and determines
whether all electrical contacts 22 are properly made. The
components of the timer 10 used during this test procedure include
a hub extension 28 of the main cam 38 which extends outside the
front housing 34 of the timer 10 and three "key" slots 194, 196,
198 located in the base 200 of the hub extension 28. During testing
the cam-operated timer 10 is operatively connected to a test
fixture that has a rotator (not shown) for rotating the main cam
38, and a data recorder (not shown) for verifying the response of
the switch arms 18 to the program cam surfaces 40. The rotator is
operatively connected to the hub extension 28 of the main cam 38
protruding from the front housing 34 of the timer 10. The data
recorder is connected to the switch arms 18 for recording operation
of the switch arms 18. Operation of switch arms 18 is determined by
applying electrical voltage to selected contact terminals. The data
recorder then measures whether a particular switch arm is opened or
closed by measuring whether a voltage is present on the switch arm
18.
[0117] As developed in the background of the invention, the hub
extension 28 protruding from the face of the front housing 34 of
the timer 10 may be of a different shape and configuration for
every model of timer 10. This makes it difficult for one piece of
test equipment to test every timer 10 that is built. The timer 10
of the present invention incorporates a cam test hub 28 having
features to facilitate testing of each timer 10 with a single piece
of test equipment.
[0118] The hub extension 28, base 200 and a cam ring 204 are
integral with the main cam 38 and extend through an orifice 206 in
the front housing 34 of the timer 10. When the timer 10 is fully
assembled, the hub extension 28, base 200 and cam ring 204 are
disposed outside the front housing 34 of the timer 10. The cam ring
204 includes three unequally spaced slots 194, 196, 198 and is
located at the base 200 of the hub extension 28, below the front
face of the timer 10 but disposed on the outside of the front timer
housing 34. The cam ring 204 and slots 194, 196, 198 are integral
with the hub extension 28 of the main cam 38. The isolated slot 194
operates as a zero tooling position of the cam 38 and the other two
slots 196, 198 are provided for engagement by the test fixture to
drive the cam 38. Since these three slots 194, 196, 198 will always
be of the same configuration and in the same location with respect
to the zero tooling location, the test equipment can use the same
encoding and driving head for all models of timer 10.
[0119] During testing, the hub extension 28 of the main cam 38 is
rotated by the rotator to which it is operatively connected. As the
main cam 38 rotates the switch arms 18 operate in accordance with
the main cam 38 by moving between neutral and offset positions as
determined by the geometry of the program carried on the program
cam surfaces 40. The hub extension 28 is rotated at a rate to
rotate the main cam 38 360.degree. in about e.g. two to ten
minutes. This rate of rotation of the main cam 38 is greatly
accelerated over the rate of rotation of the cam 38 during normal
operation of the timer 10. The rate of rotation during testing is
accelerated about e.g. ten to twenty times. Some cam-operated timer
10 configurations may require more time to rotate the main cam 38
and some may require less time to rotate the main cam 38. As the
main cam 38 rotates, the data recorder collects data from the
switch arms 18 during operation according to the program cam
surfaces 40 of the main cam 38. The collected data from the data
recorder is then used to determine whether the switch arms 18 are
functioning properly.
[0120] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7G, a set of switch arms (upper
170, center 172 and lower 174) are shown with their molded cam
followers 26, and the operation of the SF system 30 is depicted.
The SF actuator 208, which lifts the switch arms 18 off of the
surface of the cam 38, is shown interacting with the followers 26.
In the figures, the shaft 210 is shown in both the "in" and "out"
positions. A latch 212, which holds the SF actuator 208 in a
setting mode, is shown, along with a key 214, which releases the
latch 212 to allow the SF actuator 208 to drop. When the shaft 210
is indexed "in", in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the
shaft 210 and toward the rear housing 36 of the timer 10, the timer
10 is in a setting mode. In this setting mode, the latch 212 holds
the SF actuator 208 in a raised position. In turn, the SF actuator
208 engages the cam followers 26 and holds the cam followers 26 out
of engagement with the program cam surfaces 40 of the main cam.
When the shaft is extended "out", in a direction along the
longitudinal axis of the shaft 210 and away from the rear housing
36 of the timer 10, the key 214 displaces the latch 212 away from
the SF actuator 208, which falls from its raised position and out
of engagement with the cam followers 26. Thus, the cam followers 26
contact and follow the geometry of the program cam surfaces 40 as
the main cam 38 rotates.
[0121] During setting of the timer 10, the main cam 38 can be
rotated in either a forward or a reverse direction. Referring to
FIG. 7A, the SF system additionally includes a manual setting
clutch plate 240. The clutch plate 240 includes a plurality of
apertures 242 circumferentially disposed through the face of the
clutch plate 240. These apertures 242 mesh with a plurality of
protrusions 244 disposed on the face of the cam 38, and located
about the circumference of an orifice 246 through the main cam 38.
When the apertures 242 mesh with protrusions 244, the clutch plate
240 and main cam 38 rotate cooperatively. The clutch plate 240 also
includes an orifice 241 disposed through its center. The outer
circumference of this orifice 241 is defined by a plurality of
notches 248. These notches may be engaged by a clutch pin 250
located on the shaft 210. When the timer 10 is in its operating
position, the clutch pin 250 is not engaged with a notch 248 of
clutch plate 240. Thus, the shaft 210 may be rotated without
cooperative rotation of the main cam 38. However, when the shaft
210 is indexed into its setting position, the clutch pin 250
engages a notch 248 on the clutch plate 240. In this position,
rotation of shaft 210 results in cooperative rotation of clutch
plate 240 and main cam 38, thereby allowing the operator of the
timer 10 to set the main cam 38 to a desired position.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 7B, all of the components of the SF system
30 are shown in the setting position. The shaft 210 is axially
movable in a longitudinal direction and has been indexed toward the
rear housing 36 of the timer 10. In this position, the latch 212
holds the SF actuator 208 in a setting mode. When the latch 212 is
released, the SF actuator 208 drops, allowing the switch arms 18 to
contact the surface of the main cam 38. The shaft 210 and key 214,
which are attached to the shaft 210 and shown as a cross-section,
are also indexed in this setting position. In this position, the
latch 212 of the SF system 30 engages the SF actuator 208. The
latch 212 includes two latch arms 216, each having latch fingers
218 disposed at the distal ends of the arms 216. These latch
fingers 218 include flat sections 220 and a latch ramp 222. The
flat sections 220 operatively engage the SF actuator 208 and the
latch ramp 222 engages the key 214. In particular, the flat
sections 220 of the latch fingers 218 integral to the latch 212
support flat sections 226 of latching tabs 224 integral to the SF
actuator 208.
[0123] As the shaft 210 is indexed toward the rear housing 36 of
the timer 10, the latching tabs 224 of the SF actuator 208 slide
past the latch fingers 218 of the latch 212. As the tabs 224 slide
past the latch fingers 218, the fingers 218 are forced to move in a
direction away from and substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the shaft 210. Once the tabs 224 have moved
past the latch fingers 218, the fingers 218 and latch arms 216
return to their original position. In this position, the flat
sections 220 of the latch fingers 218 engage the flat sections 226
of the latching tabs 224 to hold the SF actuator 208 in a raised
position.
[0124] When the SF actuator 208 is held in a raised position, the
tips of the cam followers 26 of the upper, center and lower switch
arms 170, 172, 174 rest on the SF actuator 208, preventing the cam
followers 26 from contacting the program cam surface 40 of the main
cam 38. As the shaft 210 is indexed to move axially in a
longitudinal fashion, the arcuate edge 228 of the SF actuator 208
engages the arcuate face 188 of the cam followers 26 attached to
each switch arm 140. The arcuate face 188 of the cam followers 26
is inverted as compared to the arcuate edge 228 of the SF actuator
208. As the SF actuator 208 is raised cooperatively with the axial
movement of the shaft 210 toward the rear housing 36 of the timer
10, the SF actuator 208 lifts up against the lower side of the
leading edge 192 of the cam follower 170. As the shaft 210 is moved
to its fully indexed position, the cam followers 26 are lifted out
of contact with the program cam surfaces 40 of the main cam 38.
[0125] Referring now to FIG. 7C, the SF actuator 208, shaft 210 and
latch 212 as shown in FIG. 7B have been sectioned in half to show
ramp details of the key 214 and latch 212. These key ramps 230
operate to disengage the SF actuator 208 from a setting mode as
follows: As the shaft 210 and attached key 214 are extended in a
direction along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 210 and away
from the rear housing 36 of the timer 10, the key ramp 230 applies
force on the latch ramp 222 to force the latch fingers 218 away
from the shaft 210. The arms 216 of the latch 212 are substantially
parallel to the shaft 210 and have limited movement in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the shaft 210 when a force is
applied. As the key ramp 230 applies an outwardly directed force on
the arms 216 of the latch 212 upon movement of the key 214, the
latch fingers 218 will move away from the shaft 210. As the latch
fingers 218 move away from the shaft 210, the flat sections 220 of
the latch fingers 218 and the flat section 216 of the SF actuator
208 latching tabs 224 (shown in FIG. 7B) will become disengaged. At
the point of disengagement, force from the switch arms 18 will
cause the SF actuator 208 to move toward the main cam 38, allowing
the switch arm cam followers 26 to contact the program cam surface
40. As the operator continues to extend the shaft 210 away from the
rear housing 36 of the timer 10, the key ramps 230 and latch ramps
222 will help to force the shaft 210 to a fully extended
position.
[0126] FIGS. 7D and 7E show the SF actuator 208, shaft 210 and
attached key 214 in the fully extended position away from the rear
housing 36 of the timer 10. The switch arms 18 are still shown in a
lifted position in FIGS. 7D and 7E to demonstrate the distance the
SF actuator 208 moves from the setting position once released from
the latch 212. FIG. 7E depicts the SF actuator 208, shaft 210 and
latch 212 of FIG. 7D sectioned in half to show the ramp details of
the key 214 and latch 212 in the setting position. As the shaft 210
is indexed toward the rear housing 36 of the timer 10, a flange 232
disposed about and integral with the circumference of and integral
with the shaft 210 engages the SF actuator 208 to lift the actuator
208 away from the cam 38, thereby operatively lifting the cam
followers 26 away from the program surfaces 40 of main cam 38. The
ramped surfaces 222, 220 of the latch tabs 224 and the key 214
force the latch fingers 218 away from the shaft 210 as previously
described until the latch tabs 224 of the SF actuator 208 slide
past the flat sections 220 of the latch fingers 218. Once the latch
tabs 224 of the SF actuator 208 have moved from the side of the
latch fingers 218 proximal to the front housing 34 of the timer 10
to a position on the side of the latch fingers 218 distal to the
front housing 34 of the timer 10, the latch fingers 218 will "snap"
back toward the shaft 210, locking the SF actuator 208 in the
setting position (as in FIG. 7B).
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 7F, it is shown that the SF actuator
208 spans across the full diameter of the main cam 38 and is
parallel to the cam 38. As the SF actuator 208 is raised all the
switch arms 18 to be lifted are on one side of the main cam 38.
Thus, since the force of the switch arms 18, as they engage the SF
actuator 208, is localized on one side of the shaft 210, a travel
limiting boss 234 is disposed on the inside of the rear housing 36
over the SF actuator 208 and opposite the switch arms 18 of the
timer 10. As the SF actuator 208 is raised, the travel limiting
boss 234 forces the SF actuator 208 to level as the shaft 210 is
being indexed toward the rear housing 36 of the timer 10.
Specifically, as the shaft 210 is being indexed in, force from the
switch arms 18 applied to the SF actuator 208 will tend to hold
down the side of the SF actuator 208 engaging the switch arms 18.
This results in the raising of the opposite side of the SF actuator
208, such that the actuator 208 is no longer parallel to the main
cam 38. Once the side of the SF actuator 208 not engaging the
switch arms 18 contacts the boss 234 on the rear housing 36, that
side of the SF actuator 208 is prevented from moving and the side
of the actuator 208 engaging the switch arms 18 will lift the
switch arms 18. The boss 234 is designed so that when the SF
actuator 208 is latched in place, it is parallel to the surface of
the main cam 38.
[0128] Another aspect of the SF system 30 of the timer 10 of the
present invention, shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E and previously
discussed is the clutch mechanism 16, which is part of the
geartrain 14 between the timing motor 12 and main cam 38. This
clutch mechanism 16 provides a one-way coupling between the timing
motor 12 and the main cam 38.
[0129] Specifically, the fifth stage pinion 94 in the geartrain 14,
meshes with the outer gear ring 117 of the main cam 38, and is
engaged to the fifth stage gear 92 in the geartrain 14 via the
clutch mechanism 16. This clutch 16, as described above, permits
manual forward rotation of the main cam 38, by allowing the main
cam 38 and fifth stage pinion 94 of the drive train to rotate in a
forward direction without rotating the remainder of the geartrain
14 or the timing motor 12. However, the clutch 16 prevents manual
reverse rotation of the timer 10. During attempted reverse rotation
of the cam 38, the fifth stage pinion 94 is coupled to the timing
motor 12, which due to friction and the gear ratio of the geartrain
14, blocks rotation of the main cam 38.
[0130] Inward motion of the control shaft 210, however, forces the
clutch 16 to a position in which the clutch 16 permits slip between
the geartrain and the main cam 38, so that the main cam 38 and
fifth stage pinion 94 of the geartrain 14 can be manually rotated
forward and rearward uncoupled from the timing motor 12. Such
inward motion of the control shaft results in a clutch lever (not
shown), hinged in the front housing 34 of the timer 10, to be
opened by the SF system 30, thereby permitting slip. However, the
fifth stage pinion 94 of the geartrain 14 remains engaged to the
gear ring 117 on the main cam 38, and rotates with the main cam 38,
regardless of the position of the clutch 16. In this manner, manual
reverse rotation of the main cam 38 is prevented as the geartrain
14 remains engaged. However, when the operator of the timer 10
indexes the shaft 210, the switch arms 18 are lifted out of contact
with the program cam surfaces 40 and the geartrain 14 may slip in
either direction, thereby allowing rotation of the main cam 38 in a
forward or reverse direction.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 7G, upon lifting all cam followers 26
off the program cam surfaces 40 of the main cam 38, the main cam 38
can be rotated without restriction in either direction. A custom
feel profile 236, similar to a program cam surface 40, is molded on
the side of the main cam 38 proximal to the front housing 34 of the
timer 10. This custom feel profile 236 includes a textured surface
comprising a plurality of teeth or ridges used to impart tactile
and/or audible feedback to the operator of the timer 10. The
contours of these teeth may vary dependent upon appliance model,
line, or the particular application or cycle for which the
appliance is to be set. A "V"-shaped follower 238 is located in the
front housing 34 of the timer 10 above and in engagement with the
textured surface of the custom feel profile 236. As the user
rotates the main cam 38, the "V"-shaped follower 238 engages the
geometry of the teeth of the custom feel profile 236 thereby
providing a tactile and/or audible feedback to the user. Since the
restrictions of the geartrain 14 and the switch arm cam followers
26 are removed from the main cam 38, the textured surface of the
custom feel profile 236 can be highly defined for each individual
application. Since there is no drag on the main cam 38 from either
the cam followers 26 or the geartrain 14, the total feel
experienced by the operator of the timer 10 results from the
tactile and/or audible feedback imparted by the "V"-shaped follower
238 riding on the custom feel profile 236 molded onto the main cam
38. The disengagement of the cam followers 26 and the slip of the
geartrain 14 relative to the main cam 38 also allows the main cam
38 to be rotated in a reverse direction, making it easier to set.
After the main cam 38 has been set to the desired position, the
shaft 210 is extended in a direction away from the rear housing 36
of the timer 10.
[0132] As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the timer
10 of the present invention includes a shaft 210 about which the
cam-carrying member 38 rotates. A control knob (not shown) may be
operatively connected to or near one end of the shaft 210. In one
particular embodiment, the knob may be operatively connected to the
end of the shaft 210 which is situated distally from the timer
housing 34, and extends through to the exterior of the appliance
(not shown) to which the timer 10 is operatively connected.
Examples of such an appliance include, but are not limited to, a
clotheswasher and/or a dryer. The knob is used by an operator to
rotate the shaft 210 to a desired setting of the timer 10. The knob
can either be indexed in or indexed out in order to cooperatively
index the shaft 210 in and out to place the timer 10 in various
modes, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a setting
mode, a run mode, and a disengaged mode. In the particular
embodiment of the timer 10 described above, when the shaft 210 is
indexed "in", in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the
shaft 210 and toward the rear housing 34 of the timer 10, the timer
10 is placed in a setting mode. However, it will be appreciated
that alternate embodiments of the timer 10 may be configured such
that the timer 10 is placed in a setting mode by indexing the shaft
210 "out", in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the shaft
210 and toward the front housing 36 of the timer 10.
[0133] In its operation, the illustrated embodiment of the timer of
the present invention may be provided on both a first and second
appliance, and is operated as follows. Initially, the knob is
rotationally in an "off" position. This may be denoted by an
indicia mark (not shown) on the knob and a corresponding indicia
mark (not shown) on the appliance which, when aligned, place the
cam-carrying member 38 in a position such that no function encoded
by the cam-carrying member 38 is set to run. In the "off" position
the shaft 210 is axially in a neutral first position. In order to
place the timer 10 in a setting mode, the knob, and thus the shaft
210, may be indexed inwardly. In doing so, the knob and shaft 210
travel cooperatively axially from the first neutral position to a
second position. This second position is located at a point
disposed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 210 in a
direction toward the rear housing 34 of the timer 10. As a result,
the shaft 210 is placed in engagement with the cam-carrying member
38 of the timer 10 such that the cam-carrying member 38 may be
rotated cooperatively with the knob and shaft 210 to select a cycle
on the timer 10 encoding a desired function of the appliance.
[0134] After a particular function of the appliance has been
selected, the knob is indexed outwardly to return to the first
neutral position. In a first embodiment of the timer 10, this
causes the selected function of the first appliance to start.
Without interruption, the first appliance will then run
automatically until the end of the cycle on the cam-carrying member
38 encoding the specified function which has been selected. At that
time, the shaft 210 and knob will have rotated cooperatively with
the cam-carrying member 38 and at the end of the cycle the indicia
mark indicator on the knob will again have aligned with the indicia
mark on the first appliance in the "off" position. This indicates
that the cam-carrying member 38 has also rotated completely through
the cycle which had been set by the user.
[0135] Other components of the appliance may include switches (not
shown) that are in series with the line supplying power to the
timer. These components may act as a line switch to allow for
interruption of the power, and thus, the operation of the
appliance. In one example of such a component, the lid of a washer,
dryer, or other appliance may include a lid switch in series with
the line. Thus, if the lid of the appliance is opened during the
cycle, the line switch will cause a break in the electrical circuit
which causes the washer, dryer, or other appliance, to stop the
currently operating function. If the operation of the appliance
stops, it may restart once the electrical connection circuit is
again completed, such as when the lid of the clotheswasher is
closed.
[0136] Alternatively, at any point during the cycle of a selected
function, the appliance may be manually stopped by indexing the
knob, and thus the shaft 210, to the second position. The timer 10
and appliance function may then be restarted by re-indexing the
knob and shaft 210 back to the first position. If so desired, the
knob may alternatively be rotated to the "off" position to end the
selected cycle.
[0137] Regarding the method of operating the timer 10, when the
appliance on which the timer 10 of the present invention is used is
a dryer, there exist alternate embodiments of the method of use. In
a second embodiment, initially the knob is rotationally in the
"off" position. In the "off" position the shaft 210 is axially in a
neutral first position. In order to place the timer 10 in a setting
mode, the knob, and thus the shaft 210, may be indexed inwardly. In
doing so, the knob and shaft 210 travel cooperatively axially from
the first position to a second position. As a result, the shaft 210
is placed in engagement with the cam-carrying member 38 of the
timer 10 such that the cam-carrying member 38 may be rotated to
select a cycle on the timer 10 encoding a desired function of the
appliance.
[0138] After a particular function of the appliance has been
selected, the knob is indexed outwardly to return to the first
position. At this point the cam-carrying member 38 is engaged by
the shaft 210 and is positioned to begin operation of the dryer.
However, in the second embodiment, the dryer will not start until a
separate start switch, operatively connected to the dryer, is
actuated for a short time in order to override a centrifugal switch
in the dryer and start the dryer. Once the start switch has been
activated, the dryer then runs automatically until the end of the
cycle.
[0139] As described above with respect to the first embodiment of
the timer 10, the power to the appliance may be interrupted. For
example, if the dryer door is opened during the cycle, the drum
will stop rotating due to a break caused by a door switch operating
as a line switch in series with the line. To restart the dryer in
this second embodiment the user must close the door and then
actuate the start switch for a short time in order to override the
centrifugal switch of the dryer. To manually shut off the dryer the
knob once again may be pushed in to the second position. If so
desired the user may then rotate the knob to the "off"
position.
[0140] In a third embodiment of the present invention initially,
the knob is rotationally in the "off" position. In the "off"
position the shaft 210 is axially in the neutral first position. In
order to place the timer 10 in a setting mode, the knob, and thus
the shaft 210, may be indexed inwardly. In doing so, the knob and
shaft 210 travel cooperatively axially from the first position to a
second position. As a result, the shaft 210 is placed in engagement
with the cam-carrying member 38 of the timer 10 such that the
cam-carrying member 38 may be rotated to select a cycle on the
timer 10 encoding a desired function of the appliance.
[0141] After a particular function of the appliance has been
selected, the knob is indexed outwardly to return to the first
position. At this point the cam-carrying member 38 is engaged by
the shaft 210 and is positioned to begin operation of the dryer.
However, this third embodiment of the present invention uses a pull
to start feature in order to start the dryer. To use this function,
the knob is pulled axially past the original first position to a
third position at a point along the longitudinal axis of the shaft
210 and distal from the front of the timer housing 36 and the first
position. The knob is held there for a short time in order to
override the centrifugal switch in the dryer and start the dryer.
When released the knob and shaft 210 are spring loaded to return
automatically to original axially first neutral position. The dryer
of the third embodiment runs automatically unless the electrical
circuits are interrupted as described above with respect to the
second embodiment of the dryer timer.
[0142] In yet other alternate embodiments of the timer 10 of the
present invention, axial operation of the knob and shaft 210 in an
opposite direction than that described above is possible. For
example, in one alternate embodiment of the timer 10 to be used on
a washer or dryer in the present invention, the knob is
rotationally in the "off" position and in a first neutral position
axially. The user then indexes the knob and shaft 210 outwardly,
causing the knob to travel axially from the first position to a
second position along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 210 and in
a direction away from the rear housing 34 of the timer 10. By
indexing the shaft 210 outwardly, the shaft 210 engages the
cam-carrying member 38 of the timer of the present invention. The
user then rotates the knob in order to select a cycle encoding a
desired appliance function. The knob is then indexed back into
original axial first position. At this point the washer or dryer
may start. The electrical power to the appliance may be interrupted
as described previously.
[0143] Also as described previously the timer 10 in the dryer may
include additional alternate embodiments. A fourth embodiment has
the features of the third embodiment, but also includes a separate
start switch that needs to be actuated for a short time in order to
override the centrifugal switch in the dryer once the knob has been
re-indexed in to the first position. In a fifth embodiment, a
push-to-start feature is used. Once the knob has been indexed to
its original first position from the second position, it is indexed
inwardly further to a third position. The knob and shaft 210 are
then held in the third position for a short time in order to
override the centrifugal switch in the dryer. When released, the
shaft 210 is spring loaded to return the shaft 210 and the knob
automatically to the original first position.
[0144] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of various embodiments thereof, and while these
embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not
the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the
scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages
and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to
the specific details, representative system and method, and
illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of Applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *